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Just caught up with Château Roubine's Valerie Rousselle today at the "Provence in the City" aka rosé wines tasting in Boston.

Valerie Rousselle of Ch. Roubine

In addition to her "new name" (as she describes her divorce), she has several new wines and a charmingly renovated, rentable house on the property, "in the midst of the vines," she says. And there are cooking classes on Tuesdays.

Or if you only have a day in the area, feel free to bring your own picnic and spend a few hours on a self-guided tour of the vineyard, including the ancient Roman road that runs through the property.

I recall a wonderful dinner there some years ago, with guests as charming as the wine. The vineyards are sustainable, and to further cut down on the necessity for sulfites, they harvest at night, beginning at 2 a.m. in order to finish before the early fall heat of Provence takes over during the day.

Valerie is also planting more of the indigenous Tibourin grape, which is featured in her 2010 "Inspire" Cru Classé Côtes de Provence - 80% Tibourin, 10% Clairette, 10% Rolle - a touch smoky, deepening garden aromas, and plenty of body with lemony finish, a good food wine.